Hi.
Unfortunately, the Ipod isn't very accessible. All the buttons on
The newer units are touch-sensitive, and provide no tactile feedback. This
might
not be insurmountable, but the unit will not speak. Further, the
software used to transfer files to the unit isn't very accessible. According
to a user who won one (her message
is included below), you'll have to get another, third party, software
package to load files on the machine accessibly. There are better and more
accessible players. If accessibility is important to you, and you want to
play only MP3 files, try some of the units from Archos. These units, with
the help of an alternative firmware called Rockbox
http://www.rockbox.org
speak their menus, as well as spelling file names and speaking the
names of folders. They're the most accessible HD based MP3 players out
there. The problem with them is that they cannot now be obtained new, but
must be gotten off Ebay or from other users. They're about $100-250 on Ebay.
If you want to play more formats, like OGG and WMA, your best bet is
to go with one of the Iriver units
http://www.iriveramerica.com
which, though they do not speak their menus or file/folder names,
are good players and will play more formats than the Archos units. These
units are available in stores, though you will probably pay more than you
will if you get an Archos unit. Both units come in the same capacities as
the Ipod and, as a side benefit, are usually far cheaper.
It should be noted that Apple has just released a flash memory based
Ipod called the Ipod Shuffle. This unit has no display, and I have yet to
hear of any user experiences with the unit.
HTH
Aman
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Debbie Crafts
Sent: June 12, 2004 1:23 PM
To: 'PC audio discussion list. '
Subject: RE: MP3 Ipod
Hello,
I won an Ipod at work and have been able to get it somewhat functional. The
first step was to ditch the Itunes software, which I found totally unusable.
There is a peace of software called Anapod Explorer put out by RedChair
software which works like a dream. The URL is www.redchairsoftware.com and
It organizes the Ipod in to folders and puts an icon on your desktop which
you basically access like just another folder in My Computer. You can
either copy/paste or send-to files to this window just like you can a folder
on your hard drive, and Anapod even lets you manipulate playlists in an
intuitive manner. It doesn't insist on synchronizing the Ipod with a
library on your computer as Itunes apparently does. The documentation is
called the Omnitome and is on their website.
In terms of using the device itself, I found that the remote control is
far the easiest interface. There are definite buttons for play/pause,
previous and next. You press down on the prev. and next buttons to fast
forward or rewind through a selection. I have had limited success in using
the unit itself by counting the audible clicks emitted by the Ipod when you
access the touch wheel. The second selection on the menu is "playlists" and
then you touch the middle button for enter. If you numerically sequence
your playlists in Anapod, you can then count clicks to the playlist you
want, enter, then either touch the top of the wheel to play or use the play
button on the remote. Not the easiest interface in the world to use, but
with a little elbow grease, it can be made to cooperate a little. I highly
recommend that anyone interested in using an Ipod check out Anapod explorer.
I also found it essential to sit with a sighted person enough to get some
guidance in figuring out the interface. Hope these remarks are helpful.
Debbie
-----Original Message-----
From: VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sherry Wells
Sent: January 13, 2005 9:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VICUG-L] IPOD - How Accessible?
Hi all,
I am thinking about getting an IPOD but wanted to make sure I will be able
to use it before I spend the money. I understand that you copy or download
songs using Itunes software. I went to Itunes.com and it seemed accessible.
I guess you have to download the software you actually use with the IPOD
though. I have a little vision so use ZoomText as well as Jaws. Can anyone
tell me how accessible the software is? I guess that when you use the IPOD,
you need to select things from its small screen, like a cell phone. I assume
that this is totally inaccessible. Is it something that you can memorize
though? For example, you could learn that one touch to one button followed
by two touches to another button would result in playing your list of rock
music. I'd appreciate hearing of anyones experiences with the IPOD. Thanks
in advance.
Sherry Wells
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